Advances in molecular biology techniques have provided the basis for uncovering virtually
unlimited numbers of DNA markers. The utility of DNA-based markers is generally determined
by the technology that is used to reveal DNA-based polymorphism. Currently, the restriction
fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay (1) has been the choice for many species to
measure genetic diversity and construct a genetic linkage map. However, an RFLP assay which
detects DNA polymorphism through restriction enzyme digestion, coupled with DNA
hybridisation, is, in general, time consuming and laborious. Over the last decade, polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) technology has become a widespread research technique and has led to